Whirlpool Washer dL Error: Error Fixed Within Time

Dealing with a Whirlpool washer dL error can feel like a daunting task. Who wouldn’t prefer the washing machine to work seamlessly? However, when the door refuses to lock, as signified by the dreaded dL code, it means the washer is in need of some attention.

You’re probably wondering how I managed it. Well, it’s all about understanding the underlying problem – a door lock malfunction. The solution was a hands-on repair job – I had to repair the faulty door latch assembly myself. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and fix that Whirlpool washer dL error without any professional help.

My Experience with Whirlpool Washer dL Error

My four-year Whirpool Cabrio Washer gave me a dL error code which means a door lock error. In my practice, I have seen a lot of success in unplugging the washer, waiting for ten seconds, and restarting the cycle.

And the sad part?

The trick is not working today. The washer doesn’t make a noise like it’s trying to lock, and the red light won’t flash.

I feel bad about that.

So today, I made an exception.

My plan:

Instead of asking the technicians to come and fix it. I took things into my own hands to fix the Whirlpool washer dl error code.

First off, let me explain to you what dL error means, and we get to the solution part.

What does dL Mean on my Whirlpool Washer?

dL or dl means door lock, which is an error that your Whirlpool washer shows when the central control unit cannot lock the door six consecutive times. The washer won’t start the washing cycle if the door fails to close.

In the past, Whirlpool washer machines kept working even if something was wrong.

And the result?

The owner woke up and found the floor flooded.

The good news is...

Due to changes in technology washers don’t do that. Instead, they display the error, hoping that you’ll fix the problem so that they can resume their regular washing.

Sometimes a Whirlpool duet washer can display Whirlpool washer dl error code F532 and other models as F80, 82, 84, or 85.

Regardless of the Whirlpool model, those errors mean door lock failures.

Before we go any further.

The first thing you’ll need to do is reset the Whirlpool washer. Here are the steps you need to follow:

How to Fix dl Error on Whirlpool Washer: Causes & Solution

Many reasons can make your Whirlpool washer not close the door. Sometimes the problem can be with the mechanical parts or control unit. Here’s how to find the possible causes:

Overloading the washer

Overloading the washer with too many clothes can lead to a dl error code whirlpool washer.

And here’s why?

The door won’t have ample TIME and SPACE to close without obstruction.

Therefore, remove some clothes from the washer and rerun the cycle. If overloading were the main problem, you wouldn’t see the dL error code.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. 

Overloading can also lead to Whirlpool washer code F27. The error means that your washer is overflowing with water.

Faulty Door Lock Assembly

The door lock consists of a door latch and door strike, which work together. If any parts are defective, you’ll see a whirlpool washer dl error code. Therefore, it is an area that you’ll need to pay a lot of attention to during the repair process.

Sometimes the door latch can fail to align with the lock.

The result?

The latch fails and the door won’t close. The solution is to align the door latch with its respective part. If you can’t do that, you need to replace the parts.

Besides that, mishandling the door often can make the latch break. That happens when you’ve closed the door roughly, making the door not close. The door strike is another part that causes the dL error code.

When dirt, debris, and foreign objects clog the door strike, it stops the latch from performing its intended function. Alternatively, the door bolt may be filled with debris, preventing the door from closing.

The quickest way to resolve this is to remove any foreign objects that may be interfering with the lock.

Steps To Fix a Whirlpool Washing Machine Door Latch

My Notes

Once you are done with these steps, you need to close the door and latch it properly.

Remember:

Never slam the door with an electronic latch. They can break. Now plug the wash and test it to see if it works. Note: You can reset and run a diagnostic test on the Whirlpool washer.

Defective Control Board (CCU)

The central control unit is the brain that controls and runs the washing machine. If something happens to the unit, the washer won’t function. 

When there’s a problem with the control unit, it can’t detect when the door is locked. And the cause is a communication problem between the control board and the lock door switch. 

The purpose of the lock door switch is to tell the control unit the door is shut. The locked door won’t be detected if the door lock switch or the control unit is defective. 

My washer had a defective central control unit, and I had to buy one and replace it. Here’s what you need to do to detect if the CCU is the problem:

Step 1: Inspect the wire connection at CCU and the door latch. Look out for broken or burnt wires along the cables. These cables are installed by default.

Step 2: Remove the washer’s top panel by removing the three screws holding the panel in the rear. Slide off the pane and then locate the control board behind. You’ll see two connectors leading to the door latch on the board. These are the connectors:

Plug 6:Door lock/unlock solenoid. Find out using the multimeter of the reading across the lock and unlock the solenoid point should be 60 ohms.

Plug 8: Door lock main switch. Using the multimeter of the reading across the test points 1 & 2, and 4 & 5 is 0 ohms when the door is in a locked position. Close the door and press the START button. If the Central Control Unit (CCU) works, you’ll get the 0 ohms reading.

And Remember:

Checks are made on the control board and not the plugs. You’ll identify the pin from the number L to R. Carry out an end-to-end continuity check by disconnecting the plugs at the end. The washer needs to be unplugged when you are performing these checks.

You have a defective control board if you don’t get the required reading. If the reading is okay and the wiring is good, then the problem lies with the door lock assembly. Either you have a faulty door latch or bought a defective lock latch.